--- title: Top 5 Mistakes in C-Suite Hiring in Dentistry description: Jon Fidler shares the top five mistakes dental organizations make when they are hiring dental executives for a DSO or small group practice. image: https://blog.patientprism.com/hubfs/Blog/Featured%20Images/Dykema-JonFidler.png --- - [Contact](https://patientprism.com/contact/) - [Patient PrismLOGIN](https://web.patientprism.com/) [![Patient Prism | Healthcare Lead Tracking Software](https://blog.patientprism.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2024_Patient-Prism_Logo_Blue.png?width=800&height=247&name=2024_Patient-Prism_Logo_Blue.png "Patient Prism | Healthcare Lead Tracking Software")](https://blog.patientprism.com/hubfs/PP-Logo-2024.png) - Product - ![](https://patientprism.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Patient-Prism-Product-Overview-@2x.png) ### [Product Overview Learn more about Patient Prism's key features and benefits](https://patientprism.com/product-overview/) - ![](https://patientprism.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Patient-Prism-Case-Studies@2x.png) ### [Case Studies Learn how Patient Prism transforms dental practices](https://patientprism.com/case-studies/) - ![](https://patientprism.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Patient-Prism-Dental-Practice-Customers@2x.png) ### [Customers Discover the amazing dental practices that utilize Patient Prism](https://patientprism.com/customer/) - Solutions - ### [Private Dental Practice Our software is perfect for single dental practices. See for yourself.](https://patientprism.com/private-dental-practice-solutions/) - ### [Multi Location Groups Do you run more than one dental practice? Patient Prism can help.](https://patientprism.com/multi-group-solutions/) - ![](https://patientprism.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/2019-BOC-Award-Logo.png) - ### [Office Manager/Front Desk Troubles with patient-scheduling? Take advantage of our personalized team coaching.](https://patientprism.com/front-desk-solutions/) - ### [Marketing Manager Start reporting on marketing ROI and learn how Patient Prism can help elevate your marketing initiatives.](https://patientprism.com/marketing-manager-solutions/) - ### [Schedule a Demo No risk, no obligations. Schedule a demo today and see the difference Patient Prism can make for your dental office.](https://patientprism.com/affiliates-program/) - Resources - ![](https://patientprism.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Patient-Prism-ebooks-guides-and-charts@2x.png) ### [eBooks, guides & charts We offer complimentary resources all about dentistry](https://patientprism.com/guides-ebooks-and-charts/) - ![](https://patientprism.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Patient-Prism-Dental-Blog@2x.png) ### [Blog We cover dental industry trends and dental best practices on our blog](https://blog.patientprism.com) - ![](https://patientprism.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Patient-Prism-Expert-Interviews@2x.png) ### [Expert Interviews Leading dental industry experts share their ideas and advice](https://patientprism.com/expert-interviews/) - ![](https://patientprism.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Patient-Prism-Help-Center@2x.png) ### [Help Center Unanswered questions? Visit our help center for quick answers and tutorials.](https://support.patientprism.com/hc/en-us) - ![](https://patientprism.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Affiliate-Program@2x.png) ### [Affiliate Program Be a part of Patient Prism's growing network of affiliates.](https://patientprism.com/affiliates-program/) - [Schedule Demo](https://patientprism.com/schedule-demo/) - Product - ![](https://patientprism.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Patient-Prism-Product-Overview-@2x.png) ### [Product Overview Learn more about Patient Prism's key features and benefits](https://patientprism.com/product-overview/) - ![](https://patientprism.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Patient-Prism-Case-Studies@2x.png) ### [Case Studies Learn how Patient Prism transforms dental practices](https://patientprism.com/case-studies/) - ![](https://patientprism.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Patient-Prism-Dental-Practice-Customers@2x.png) ### [Customers Discover the amazing dental practices that utilize Patient Prism](https://patientprism.com/customer/) - Solutions - [Pricing](https://patientprism.com/pricing/) - Resources - ![](https://patientprism.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Patient-Prism-ebooks-guides-and-charts@2x.png) ### [eBooks, guides & charts We offer complimentary resources all about dentistry](https://patientprism.com/guides-ebooks-and-charts/) - ![](https://patientprism.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Patient-Prism-Dental-Blog@2x.png) ### [Blog We cover dental industry trends and dental best practices on our blog](https://blog.patientprism.com/) - ![](https://patientprism.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Patient-Prism-Expert-Interviews@2x.png) ### [Expert Interviews Leading dental industry experts share their ideas and advice](https://patientprism.com/expert-interviews/) - ![](https://patientprism.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Patient-Prism-Help-Center@2x.png) ### [Help Center Unanswered questions? Visit our help center for quick answers and tutorials.](https://support.patientprism.com/hc/en-us) - ![](https://patientprism.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Affiliate-Program@2x.png) ### [Affiliate Program Be a part of Patient Prism's growing network of affiliates.](https://patientprism.com/affiliates-program/) - [Contact](https://patientprism.com/contact/) - [Patient Prism LOGIN](https://web.patientprism.com/) - [Schedule Demo](https://patientprism.com/schedule-demo/) Patient Prism's Dental Industry Blog Here you'll find hundreds of articles and video interviews with dental industry experts on the topics of DSO and practice growth, dental software, call-tracking technology, patient experience and artificial intelligence fueling the dental industries ability to treat more patients and change lives. - by: Jon Fidler - 6 min read # [Top 5 Mistakes in C-Suite Hiring in Dentistry](https://blog.patientprism.com/mistakes-when-hiring-dso-executives) - [Dental Practice Leadership](https://blog.patientprism.com/topic/dental-practice-leadership) - [Multi-Practice Growth](https://blog.patientprism.com/topic/multi-practice-growth) - [AI Call Intelligence (1)](https://blog.patientprism.com/topic/ai-call-intelligence) - [Dental Call Tracking (23)](https://blog.patientprism.com/topic/dental-call-tracking) - [Dental Marketing (33)](https://blog.patientprism.com/topic/dental-marketing) - [Dental Practice Leadership (192)](https://blog.patientprism.com/topic/dental-practice-leadership) - [Dental Technology (71)](https://blog.patientprism.com/topic/dental-technology) - [DSO (42)](https://blog.patientprism.com/topic/dso) - [Multi-Practice Growth (95)](https://blog.patientprism.com/topic/multi-practice-growth) - [![](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/6464971/blog_9_wow_design/facebook-logo%20(2).svg)Share](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.patientprism.com%2Fmistakes-when-hiring-dso-executives) - [![](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/6464971/blog_9_wow_design/twitter%20(5).svg)Tweet](https://www.twitter.com/share?url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.patientprism.com%2Fmistakes-when-hiring-dso-executives) - [![](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/6464971/blog_9_wow_design/linkedin-logo%20(2).svg)Post](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.patientprism.com/mistakes-when-hiring-dso-executives) - [![](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/6464971/blog_9_wow_design/envelope%20(1).svg)Mail](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.patientprism.com/mistakes-when-hiring-dso-executives) June 2018--The growth of your dental service organization (DSO) can really take a hit if you choose the wrong C-suite candidates to lead and manage your organization.   ## #1 Hiring Too Quickly Hiring too quickly is the number one executive hiring problem we witness at Fidler and Associates. DSOs feel the need to relieve workload pressure as fast as possible, so many times we see them hiring someone to fill the spot who is not the best person for that role. This delays the work getting done, can result in costly re-dos, disrupts team alignment, and can even cause HR nightmares. It’s best to take time to search for the most appropriate candidates, vet them well, and onboard the one who has proven they can do the job and is the best fit for the role he or she will be performing in your DSO culture and structure. Expecting highest performance without an onboarding process to familiarize the new hire fully with your operations and vision is also a sign of moving too quickly. Allowing time to settle in, providing information, and establishing lines of supportive communication are all part of C-suite hiring.  The best candidates will have the knowledge, skills, and judgment needed to pick up from there and take your organization to a higher level.    ## #2 Employing Family or Friends The goal of the C-suite team is to help you establish processes and systems that are going to help you scale. Entrepreneurial dentists sometimes have another goal, which is to help a family member or friend who needs a position. The two goals are rarely compatible. You might well hire a niece to handle the petty cash, but that doesn’t mean she has the ability to serve as the DSO’s financial controller. When a DSO hires a friend or family member who is not well suited for the function for which they were hired, business and personal relations eventually come into conflict.  Sometimes a friend or family member can help for a while until you hire the right C-suite person but set that expectation.   ## #3 Over-Promoting a Current Employee Giving a current employee an executive title can set false expectations. This commonly happens when a long-time employee deserves a reward and business finances limit the compensation that can be given. Calling a bookkeeper a VP signals they are at a controller level, and when you arrive at the stage where you need to actually hire someone who has the skills of a chief financial officer, you may delay out of concern that repositioning your long-term employee will be demoralizing and lead to a vacancy on the team.   ## #4 Under-Paying Everybody wants the perfect candidate. They want the Wharton business background with ten years of experience in the field. But few want to compensate their C-suite hire at the level this candidate can demand. Keep in mind that good employees are people who have a proven track record of success, and that means they’re going to cost more. Weigh your options carefully and lean towards hiring someone who will grow your DSO.   ## #5 Narrowing the Candidate Search Don’t be so rigid in your requirements that you miss candidates with crossover skills that could really add something to your organization. Someone who has C-suite experience gained in the dermatology or ophthalmology industries may be an excellent candidate.   ## Would you like to connect with the right candidates for you? Avoiding pitfalls like the five presented above will help your business grow faster and more smoothly. You don’t want to stall growth by making mistakes or not being able to connect with good candidates. [Fidler and Associates](https://www.fidlerandassociates.com/) is an executive search and advisory firm specializing in connecting dental practice owners with the right candidates. They offer customized solutions tailored to the specific needs of their clients.   [![Schedule a Patient Prism Demo with Brenton Paul](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3321879/e1446252-1677-4ab5-a324-628c0b4fab63.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3321879/e1446252-1677-4ab5-a324-628c0b4fab63) ### Share Post: - [![](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/6464971/blog_9_wow_design/facebook-logo%20(2).svg)Share](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.patientprism.com%2Fmistakes-when-hiring-dso-executives) - [![](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/6464971/blog_9_wow_design/twitter%20(5).svg)Tweet](https://www.twitter.com/share?url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.patientprism.com%2Fmistakes-when-hiring-dso-executives) - [![](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/6464971/blog_9_wow_design/linkedin-logo%20(2).svg)Post](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.patientprism.com/mistakes-when-hiring-dso-executives) - [![](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/6464971/blog_9_wow_design/envelope%20(1).svg)Mail](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.patientprism.com/mistakes-when-hiring-dso-executives) ##### [Previous Article](https://blog.patientprism.com/aligning-objectives-of-dentist-team-patient) ### [Aligning Objectives of the Dentist, Practice Team, and Dental Patient](https://blog.patientprism.com/aligning-objectives-of-dentist-team-patient) ##### [Next Article](https://blog.patientprism.com/ppo-fee-negotiation-credentialing-dental-practices) ### [Dental PPO Fee Negotiation and Credentialing Made Easy](https://blog.patientprism.com/ppo-fee-negotiation-credentialing-dental-practices) ![shape](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/6464971/blog_9_wow_design/shape.svg "shape") #### Subscribe to our blog for the latest updates ![Sign Up For Patient Prism Dental Newsletter](https://blog.patientprism.com/hubfs/images/icons/Sign%20Up%20For%20Patient%20Prism%20Dental%20Newsletter.png "Sign Up For Patient Prism Dental Newsletter") By submitting this form you will be receiving our latest updates on post. We're committed to your privacy. Patient Prism uses the information you provide to us to contact you about our relevant content, products, and services.  You may unsubscribe from these communications at any time.  - Recent - Popular [Dental Practice Leadership](https://blog.patientprism.com/topic/dental-practice-leadership) ##### [Bulletproof: Patient Prism Equips Private Dentists to Compete with DSOs](https://blog.patientprism.com/bulletproof-patient-prism-equips-private-dentists-to-compete-with-dsos) [Dental Practice Leadership](https://blog.patientprism.com/topic/dental-practice-leadership) ##### [Bulletproof: Did a New Patient Call and Then Fail to Schedule? Reach Out!](https://blog.patientprism.com/bulletproof-new-dental-patient-fail-to-schedule-reach-out) [Dental Practice Leadership](https://blog.patientprism.com/topic/dental-practice-leadership) ##### [Bulletproof: There Is Actionable Intelligence in Your Calls](https://blog.patientprism.com/there-is-actionable-intelligence-in-your-calls) [Dental Practice Leadership](https://blog.patientprism.com/topic/dental-practice-leadership) ##### [NexHealth Asks Amol Nirgudkar How to Win Acceptance of AI Solutions](https://blog.patientprism.com/nexhealth-asks-amol-nirgudkar-how-to-win-acceptance-of-ai-solutions) [Dental Practice Leadership](https://blog.patientprism.com/topic/dental-practice-leadership) ##### [Effective Hygiene Compensation Models for Dental Practices](https://blog.patientprism.com/hygiene-compensation-models) [Dental Marketing](https://blog.patientprism.com/topic/dental-marketing) [Dental Practice Leadership](https://blog.patientprism.com/topic/dental-practice-leadership) ##### [10 Dental Office Front Desk Tips to Enhance Customer Experience](https://blog.patientprism.com/10-dental-office-front-desk-tips-to-enhance-customer-experience) [Dental Practice Leadership](https://blog.patientprism.com/topic/dental-practice-leadership) ##### [Dentist and Dental Assistant Relationship: Easing Tension & Communication Tips](https://blog.patientprism.com/dentist-dental-assistant-relationship) [Dental Technology](https://blog.patientprism.com/topic/dental-technology) ##### [Dental Industry Predictions: Top 14 Emerging Trends in Dentistry](https://blog.patientprism.com/important-trends-in-dentistry) ### Posts by topic - [Dental Practice Leadership (192)](https://blog.patientprism.com/topic/dental-practice-leadership) - [Multi-Practice Growth (95)](https://blog.patientprism.com/topic/multi-practice-growth) - [Dental Technology (71)](https://blog.patientprism.com/topic/dental-technology) - [DSO (42)](https://blog.patientprism.com/topic/dso) - [Dental Marketing (33)](https://blog.patientprism.com/topic/dental-marketing) - [Dental Call Tracking (23)](https://blog.patientprism.com/topic/dental-call-tracking) - [AI Call Intelligence (1)](https://blog.patientprism.com/topic/ai-call-intelligence) ![Checklist Schedule Patient Guide - Call Tracking for Dentists](https://blog.patientprism.com/hubfs/images/cta/Checklist%20Schedule%20Patient%20Guide%20-%20Call%20Tracking%20for%20Dentists.png) #### Free Checklist to schedule more patients! [![Download Now](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3321879/c4da101c-9fa1-4943-aa0e-205721d69f7f.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3321879/c4da101c-9fa1-4943-aa0e-205721d69f7f) #### Ready for a quick demo? ### Patient Prism is A.I.-driven software that helps dental practices grow new patient revenue by booking more first-time callers. Instantly increase new patient revenue by 30% on average. Patient Prism provides your front desk team or call center with the tools and coaching they need to book more new patients on the first phone call.  [![Schedule Demo](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3321879/0b902015-8fd3-4970-b9f9-fd203c36af1c.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3321879/0b902015-8fd3-4970-b9f9-fd203c36af1c) ### Related Posts - [by Deborah Bush](https://blog.patientprism.com/author/deborah-bush) - 6 min read #### [Bulletproof: Patient Prism Equips Private Dentists to Compete with DSOs](https://blog.patientprism.com/bulletproof-patient-prism-equips-private-dentists-to-compete-with-dsos) August 2023 In Bulletproof Dental Practice Podcast Episode 302, hosts Dr. Peter Boulden and Dr. Craig Spodak ask Patient... - ##### [Dental Practice Leadership](https://blog.patientprism.com/topic/dental-practice-leadership) - [by Deborah Bush](https://blog.patientprism.com/author/deborah-bush) - 4 min read #### [Bulletproof: Did a New Patient Call and Then Fail to Schedule? Reach Out!](https://blog.patientprism.com/bulletproof-new-dental-patient-fail-to-schedule-reach-out) August 2023 "If there is anything resounding that we have learned at Patient Prism, it is that reaching back out to offe... - ##### [Dental Practice Leadership](https://blog.patientprism.com/topic/dental-practice-leadership) - [by Deborah Bush](https://blog.patientprism.com/author/deborah-bush) - 6 min read #### [Bulletproof: There Is Actionable Intelligence in Your Calls](https://blog.patientprism.com/there-is-actionable-intelligence-in-your-calls) August 2023 In Bulletproof Dental Practice Podcast Episode 302, hosted by Dr. Peter Boulden and Dr. Craig Spodak, Patien... - ##### [Dental Practice Leadership](https://blog.patientprism.com/topic/dental-practice-leadership) [![Patient Prism Logo](https://blog.patientprism.com/hs-fs/hubfs/images/logos/PPLogo_eHed.png?width=274&height=79&name=PPLogo_eHed.png "Patient Prism Logo")](https://www.patientprism.com/) 2803 W Busch Blvd, Suite 201, Tampa, FL 33618 1-800-381-3638 PRODUCT - [Product](https://www.patientprism.com/product-overview/) - [Pricing](https://www.patientprism.com/pricing/) - [Affiliate Program](https://www.patientprism.com/affiliates-program/) TEAM - [About Us](https://www.patientprism.com/about/) - [Contact Us](https://www.patientprism.com/contact-us/) - [Support](https://support.patientprism.com/hc/en-us) - [In the News](https://www.patientprism.com/in-the-news/) SOLUTIONS - [DSO](https://www.patientprism.com/multi-group-solutions/) - [Private Dental Practice](https://www.patientprism.com/private-dental-practice-solutions/) - [Office Manager](https://www.patientprism.com/front-desk-solutions/) - [Marketing Manager](https://www.patientprism.com/marketing-manager-solutions/) RESOURCES - [Help Center](https://support.patientprism.com/hc/en-us) - [eBooks, guides, and charts](https://www.patientprism.com/guides-ebooks-and-charts/) - [Case Studies](https://www.patientprism.com/case-studies/) - [Blog](https://blog.patientprism.com/) - [Academy](https://academy.patientprism.com/) - [Privacy Policy](https://www.iubenda.com/privacy-policy/84700694) - [Accessibility](https://patientprism.com/accessibility/) - [Terms & Conditions](https://patientprism.com/terms/) Third-party trademarks, logos, and trade names appearing on the site are the property of their respective owners. Copyright Patient Prism®. 2020 All rights reserved. ![](https://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/pagead/viewthroughconversion/834660133/?guid=ON&script=0) ![](https://dc.ads.linkedin.com/collect/?pid=150810&fmt=gif) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Jon Fidler", "url" : "https://blog.patientprism.com/author/jon-fidler" }, "dateModified" : "2023-07-15T17:36:45.241Z", "datePublished" : "2018-06-26T13:49:13.000Z", "headline" : "Top 5 Mistakes in C-Suite Hiring in Dentistry", "image" : [ "https://blog.patientprism.com/hubfs/Blog/Featured%20Images/Dykema-JonFidler.png" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.patientprism.com/mistakes-when-hiring-dso-executives", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.patientprism.com/hubfs/2024_Patient-Prism_Logo_Blue.png" }, "name" : "Patient Prism" } } ```